It’s a big week for Philly, and we have things to do if we want to celebrate our people, our parks, and our tangential relationship to the new Pope!
Love Your Parks Week continues, so keep those gloves handy. The Philadelphia Zoo is hosting a spring wine fest. Moonlight kayak season courtesy Hidden River Outfitters has begun, as have Trolley Trail tours, and Parks on Tap moves to Matthias Baldwin Park. The outdoors has never been so cool.
The Chestnut Hill Home and Garden Show (rescheduled!) is happening this weekend, and so is Green Philly’s EcoFair. The world-famous Italian Market Festival is this weekend, and with our Super Bowl win this year, we expect our pole climbers to have had adequate practice for the event.
A new exhibition opens at William Way this week, and The National Liberty Museum is previewing its latest addition to its Year of Free Speech. The Free Library Foundation Author Series has two events this week: Senator Ron Wyden with chef Michael Solomonov and poet Paul Muldoon.
Meanwhile on stage, Rent debuts at the Arden, an orchestral rendering of the Naruto soundtrack is at The Miller, and Underground Arts hosts Dual Pathways with headliners lespecial. Penn and Teller are here on their 50th Anniversary tour, and The Kiffness is live at The Foundry.
If doing good is your jam, the Susan G. Komen MORE THAN PINK Walk is at the Navy Yard, and NoName Gallery is hosting its first fundraiser for breast cancer. The annual Run to Rebuild is in Fairmount Park, and Wednesday is the Philly Loves PAWS Fundraiser. You can also catch Citizen Board member Ali Velshi appearing at Main Line School Night’s annual fundraiser this week.
Is that not enough? Thinking of things to do further ahead? Check out our year-round calendar about how to be a good citizen.
THINGS TO DO THIS WEEK IN PHILLY
Love your Parks, Parks on Tap, orchestral Naruto, Refigured, Unframed exhibition, PAWS fundraiser, Free Library Foundation Author Series, National Liberty Museum exhibit preview, Mural Arts printmaking, The Kiffness, Penn and Teller, Rent.
LOVE YOUR PARKS! It’s that time of year again, folks! May 10 through 18 is Love Your Park Week. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Fairmount Park Conservancy, and park friends’ groups across the city will be hosting events. Over 100 Philly parks need help with tending gardens and flower beds, caring for trees, and post-winter cleanup. Free, except for your time and energy. Various locations; check the map for a park near you!
EXPERIENCE QUEER LIFE REFIGURED AND UNFRAMED. The William Way LGBT Community Center, in collaboration with Philly Queer Life Drawing, presents Refigured, Unframed: An Exhibition with Philly Queer Life Drawing. The exhibit showcases over 50 original works by 22 local artists using pencil, charcoal, acrylic, watercolor and digital media, alongside striking photographs to chronicle two years of Philly Queer Life Drawing events. Open now through June 30, the exhibit is on view Monday through Thursday from 5:30 to 9 pm. Free. 1315 Spruce Street
NARUTO RUN TO THIS CONCERT. NARUTO: The Symphonic Experience features a live orchestra performing Toshio Masuda’s original score of the iconic anime synchronized with a montage of scenes from the show. It’s at the Miller Theater May 13 and 14 at 7pm. $45-$55. 250 S. Broad Street
SHOW HOW MUCH YOU LOVE DEM PAWS. Shop for a good cause all day on May 14 during the annual Philly Loves PAWS Fundraiser! Dozens of restaurants, shops and service providers donate at least 10 percent of their sales to the animal rescue nonprofit. Over the past eight years, hundreds of businesses have participated in this community event to bring Philly closer to becoming a no-kill city. Various locations.
DRINK BEER IN SPRING GARDEN. Parks on Tap comes to Matthias Baldwin Park May 14 to May 18 from 4 to 10pm. The roving beer (and cocktail and food) garden provides a great excuse to bring your friends and your kids to happy hour in a natural green space. A portion of all proceeds benefits each park. Free admission. 300 S. 25th Street
SPEND AN EVENING ON POETRY. On May 14 from 7 to 8pm, the Free Library Foundation Author Series continues with Paul Muldoon | Joy in Service on Rue Tagore: Poems, in Conversation with Daisy Fried. The Philadelphia Citizen is a proud media sponsor of The Free Library Foundation. $5. 1901 Vine Street
PREVIEW A NEW FREE SPEECH EXHIBIT. The National Liberty Museum continues its Year of Free Speech initiative with a preview of its new exhibit, Let’s Talk: Confronting What Divides Us, on May 15, from 6:30 to 8:30pm. Attendees are treated to live music, food and cocktails, a documentary screening, and an opportunity to be the first to see the new exhibit. $50. 321 Chestnut Street
IMAGINE A NEW DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE — AND PRINT IT! Mural Arts launches its Printmaking by the People community workshops on May 15 from 7 to 9:30pm with Type Setting at The Arts Affair 2025 at REC Philly. Create your own poster about the rights that are essential for a just, inclusive and sustainable community. The work will inspire a signature mural and an exhibition at the Free Library of Philadelphia. Most events are free; more workshops are on deck. $45. 901 Market Street
FORGET REGRET, OR THIS SHOW IS YOURS TO MISS! The Tony Award™ and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Rent is live at the Arden Theater May 15 through June 22 with 2pm and 7pm shows available. Tickets are going fast! $35-$68. 40 N. 2nd Street
SHOW YOUR CHUTZPAH. On May 15 from 7 to 8pm, the Free Library Foundation Author Series continues with Senator Ron Wyden | It Takes Chutzpah: How to Fight Fearlessly for Progressive Change, in Conversation with chef Michael Solomonov. The Philadelphia Citizen is a proud media sponsor of The Free LIbrary Foundation. $5. 1901 Vine Street
GO MEOW! If you appreciate music co-written by animals, kids and the occasional viral reels, don’t miss The Kiffness: Vote for Pets Tour live at The Foundry May 15 at 8pm. $35.25. 29 E. Allen Street
SEE SOME MAGICAL TALES AND COMEDY. Come to the Academy of Music May 15 at 8pm for the Penn & Teller 50th Anniversary Tour and see magic’s legendary duo defy labels, physics and good taste. $39.50-$155.50. 240 S. Broad Street
THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN PHILLY
NoName Gallery breast cancer awareness fundraiser, Run to Rebuild, Trolley Trail Tours, Italian Market Festival, Green Philly EcoFair, Spring Wine Fest at the Zoo, Dual Pathways show, moonlight kayaking, MORE THAN PINK cancer walk, Home & Garden Fest, Main Line School Night fundraiser with Ali Velshi
WALK, PAINT, DO YOGA AND MORE TO FIGHT BREAST CANCER. Jonene Lee, breast cancer survivor and owner of NoName Gallery, is hosting her first fundraiser to support breast cancer awareness May 16 through May 18. Look for a weekend of events, including a breast cancer awareness walk, a Q&A and celebration, a community wellness and recovery session. All proceeds from the events will go directly to Unite for HER, a PA nonprofit that provides free integrative therapies, services, education and resources to breast and ovarian cancer patients. Donate as you go. Various locations
RUN TO REBUILD. The 15th Annual Run to Rebuild is a family-friendly timed 5K and a scenic 2-mile walk along Forbidden Drive in Fairmount Park to help raise funds for transforming owner-occupied homes into safe, healthy, and energy-efficient spaces for homeowners in Philadelphia’s historic rowhouses. It’s happening May 17 from 8am to noon. $40+. 200 W. Northwestern Avenue
HIKE THE TROLLEY TRAIL. Explore the remains of a hidden trolley network in Fairmount Park on May 17 from 10am to 1pm on their guided Trolley Trail Hike. The 4-mile hike is ideal for those 14 and older. It’s free, but donations are accepted and registration is required. Free. Trolley Trail entrance, Chamounix Drive
GET YOUR POLE-CLIMBING SHOES ON. The South 9th Street Italian Market Festival is happening May 17 and 18 from 10am to 5pm, celebrating Italian culture, food and traditions along seven blocks of 9th Street in South Philadelphia with over 100 vendors — and the greased pole. This year, there’s an app for that. Free. S. 9th Street from Christian to Wharton Street
GET IMMERSED IN A SUSTAINABILITY FAIR. Green Philly hosts its EcoFair May 17 from noon to 6pm at Cherry Street Pier. Go for panels, storytelling and speakers, art activations by Walls for Justice, a sustainable home and life local marketplace, and opportunities to get involved with local nonprofits. Free. 121 N. Columbus Boulevard
DRINK AT THE ZOO, JUST DON’T BE AN ANIMAL. The Philadelphia Zoo hosts Philly Wine Fest: Spring Edition, with two sessions on May 17 at 1 to 3pm and 4:30 to 6:30pm. More than two dozen wineries will be pouring specially curated seasonal reds, whites, rosés, and more on the Zoo’s Impala Lawn, accompanied by vendors and live entertainment. Tickets include admission, but the event is limited to the 21+ crowd. $39-$55. 3400 W. Girard Avenue
GET HEAVY. Experience Dual Pathways at Underground Arts May 17 at 7pm. Progressive heavy groove metal, rock and undefinable hardcore artistry await with artists lespecial, Consider the Source, Blockhead, Space Bacon and more. $28. 1200 Callowhill Street
TAKE A MOONLIGHT KAYAK TOUR ON THE SCHUYLKILL Hidden River Outfitters launch their Moonlight Kayak tours for the season on May 17 with an 8pm tour. Spend an hour and a half on the Schuylkill River between the Walnut Street Dock and the Fairmount Water Works under the moon and stars. $45. 120 S. 24th Street
BE MORE THAN PINK. The Susan G. Komen MORE THAN PINK Walk comes to the Navy Yard Marine Parade Grounds on May 18 starting at 8am. All donations raised on your or your team’s behalf support research, provide care, and make progress in the foundation’s mission to end breast cancer. Registration is free. 4747 S. Broad Street
EXPLORE HOME AND GARDEN PROJECTS IN CHESTNUT HILL. The annual Chestnut Hill Home & Garden Festival, rescheduled for May 18 from 11am to 5pm, returns to Germantown Ave with over 300 home and garden vendors, food and drink, live music, dance and theater performances, and live artisan demonstrations. Pay as you go. Germantown Avenue between Rex and Willow Grove avenues
MEET ALI VELSHI! The Philadelphia Citizen contributor and Board member Ali Velshi is appearing for Main Line School Night’s 9th Annual Visionary Voices Fundraiser on May 19 from 7:30 to 9pm. He’ll be joined by legendary local TV journalist Pat Ciarrocchi, talking about America, the media, and small acts of courage at the Rosemont College’s Rotwitt Theater. $65. 1400 Montgomery Avenue, Bryn Mawr
ONGOING EVENTS
Art exhibitions, live shows, outdoor activities, and more things to do, until you can’t anymore.
LEARN TAI CHI. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 7:30 to 8:30am, Franklin Square Tai Chi Group meets next to the fountain (or in the Pavilion on chilly or wet days) for the ancient practice during Tai Chi in the Square. Free. 200 N. 6th Street
SEE A UNIQUE HISTORICAL ONE-MAN PLAY. Presented by Quintessence and New York’s Playhouse Creatures Theatre Company, The Return of Benjamin Lay is inspired by the true story of an 18th-century Quaker man who lived his life as an activist revolutionary fighting for the abolition of slavery in Colonial America. Live through May 18, evening and afternoon shows at the Sedgewick Theater. $25-$60. 7137 Germantown Avenue
SEE A UNIQUE SOLO ART EXHIBITION. Studio 105 at Ray Philly hosts While You Were Sleeping, a solo exhibition by Philadelphia-based oil painter Elizabeth Bergeland, on display now through May 21. Hours are Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 6pm. Free. 1525 N. American Street
COME TO AN ART CELEBRATION OF WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH. The Hyatt Centric Center City Philadelphia celebrates Women’s History Month with an art exhibition curated by InLiquid. The Edge of Abstraction features celebrated artists Diane Pieri and Erin Elman and will be on display through mid-May. Free. 1620 Chancellor Street
ATTEND THE OPENING OF AN IMPORTANT BLACK HISTORY EXHIBIT. Free, As One: Black Worldmaking in the Pennsylvania Abolition Society Papers highlights Black self-determination and leadership from the 1770s onward in the abolition movement of the Mid-Atlantic region, on view through May 23. Library and exhibit hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 4pm and Wednesday from 1 to 7pm. Free. 1300 Locust Street
TAKE AN EXCLUSIVE TOUR AND TASTING. Every Tuesday and Thursday from through May, Carpenters’ Hall will stay open late for A Toast to History — Behind the Scenes at Carpenters’ Hall, a small group Scotch tasting tour that features access to its normally-closed second floor and 19th-century library. Tours begin at 4pm. $45. 320 Chestnut Street
SEE THE LATEST EXHIBIT AT THE MAGIC GARDENS. Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens (PMG) hosts a new immersive exhibit, Stone Soup: Works by Eustace Mamba, which will be open through June 1. $8-$15. 1020 South Street
TAKE THE FAMILY TO SEE THE HOBBIT. The Arden Children’s Theater production of The Hobbit opens runs through June 1 on the Arcadia Stage. Bilbo Baggins’s epic journey there and back again is adapted for families and children ages seven and up. Late morning, afternoon, and early evening shows available. $25-$46. 40 N. 2nd Street
COLLECT STAMPS VISIT GREEN SPACES GET PRIZES! Historic Germantown presents the Green Space Stamp Rally running through June 21. Exploring becomes a community adventure where 18 Northwest Philadelphia sites, including historic gardens, museums, urban farms, and cultural institutions, are part of a scavenger hunt for participants to track down and collect stamps to win prizes. Free. Various locations
SHOP LOCAL IN DILWORTH PARK. The Philadelphia Marketplace is open at Dilworth Park through June 28. Every Friday and Saturday from noon to 6pm, two dozen tri-state area vendors offer home decor, jewelry, fashion, sweets, treats, posters, art, skincare, men’s products, candles, plants, flowers and more. Vintage weekends will take place May 30 and 31 and June 27 and 28. Pay as you go. 1 S. 15th Street
GET RETRO AT THE ROLLER RINK. The Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink at Dilworth Park is back through June 29. Admission $8-$12, $6 skate rental. 1 S. 15th Street
SHOP THE SOUTHEAST ASIAN MARKET AT FDR PARK. The Southeast Asian Market at FDR Park features over 80 vendors offering native cuisine dishes, culturally specific produce, plants, clothing and jewelry, as well as services provided by entrepreneurs speaking multiple languages. Open Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Pay as you go. Picnic Area 17, near FDR Park Drive and S. Broad Street
SEE THE LATEST EXHIBITION AT THE CLAY STUDIO. The 19th annual Small Favors exhibition with nearly 400 reduced scale and unique works from nationally known artists and some of Philadelphia’s best new artists in four-inch cubes on display and for sale in the Jill Bonovitz Gallery through June 29. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday 11am to 5:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5pm. Free. 1425 N. American Street
ATTEND A GALLERY TALK ON THE LATEST IN FINE WOODWORKING. The Museum for Art in Wood presents Katie Hudnall: The Longest Distance Between Two Points, featuring a series of sculptural works and a large-scale interactive installation created from salvaged wood that captures the artist’s eye for “the absurdly mechanical and uncanny.” The exhibition runs through July 20. Museum hours are daily from noon to 5pm. Free. 141 N. 3rd Street
COME TO THE OPENING OF A NEW ART EXHIBITION AT FAIRMOUNT WATER WORKS. The Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center presents their fourth annual spring fine art exhibition, CONFLUENCE. Eleven artists, showcasing 26 works of art centered around the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers, and the junction where they meet, known as a confluence, are featured. Open May 3 through July 26, Wednesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Free. 640 Waterworks Drive
GO MOONWALK AT LEMON HILL. Fairmount Park Conservancy welcomes back astronomer and educator Buddy Muhler for another season of one-mile guided moonwalks and telescope observation. Park After Dark: Moonwalk + Stargazing Party happens every first Tuesday evening through August. $15. Lemon Hill Drive
HANG OUT IN THE GARDEN. The PHS Pop Up Gardens are now open at Manayunk and South Street. This season brings crafted cocktails, a lineup of hands-on workshops and events, food and beverage, and treats for your furry friends. Hours are Monday through Wednesday 5 to 10pm, Thursday 5 to 11pm, Friday and Saturday noon to midnight, and Sunday noon to 9pm. Pay as you go. 1438 South Street and 106 Jamestown Avenue
SEE THE HUMAN BODY LIKE NEVER BEFORE! Through September 1, The Franklin Institute welcomes BODY WORLDS: Vital, an extraordinary collection of real human specimens preserved through Dr. Gunther von Hagens’ revolutionary plastination process. This is the third such exhibit for The Institute since 2005. Museum is open daily 9:30am to 5pm, with special evening hours exclusive to the exhibit Thursday through Sunday from 5 to 8pm. $20-$65. 222 N. 20th Street
CONTINUE THE YEAR OF FREE SPEECH WITH A NEW EXHIBIT. On display at the National Liberty Museum through September 8, Word Powered: Exploring Free Speech Through Art is a juried exhibition of sculptures, paintings, video installations and more exploring censorship, freedom of expression and diverse perspectives. Museum hours are Wednesday through Monday 10am to 5pm. $0-$12. 321 Chestnut Street
SEE THE NEW EXHIBIT AT THE MÜTTER. Through February 2, 2026, The Mütter Museum and Historical Medical Library of The College of Physicians of Philadelphia present Trusted Messengers: Community, Confidence, and COVID-19, a special exhibition that marks five years since the onset of the pandemic and considers how to build trust in public health. Initially developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Museum in Atlanta, the Philadelphia version features materials used in the development of the mRNA vaccine at Penn and spotlights local healthcare workers and organizations. Museum hours are Wednesday through Monday 10am to 5pm. $15-20. 19 S. 22nd Street
MORE GOOD THINGS TO DO IN PHILLY
Italian Market Street Festival, Photo by Kat Kuo